“And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23 NASB)
This is a story about a devoted man, one who lived before, during, and after two world wars. As a matter of fact, he not only lived, but he served in the armed forces. Perhaps more importantly, he also served in the army of the Lord. I met him in 1990, years after his days in the pulpit had ended, and long after he had lost his sight. However, this devoted man, in spite of his blindness, had enough spiritual vision to understand that his presence at the church was a testimony to his faith in God.
No one would have blamed him if he had stayed home, considering his age and his lack of sight. But he came anyway! He came to Bible Study, Vacation Bible School (VBS), Sunday worship service, and midweek services. I met him at a week-long VBS, sponsored by his church where I had been asked to teach the adult class. He did not miss a night.
While he did not say a lot, his presence spoke more than words could express. Yet, I do remember the one night that he shared some wise words with the class, words you need to hear too. Sitting in the middle row of the section of the pews in the sanctuary where we held the class, he said, “Regardless of what I go through or what I have yet to go through, I do what I was taught years ago. I never, never, forsake the assembly of the saints.” He continued, “While I can’t see, I can still look to the hills from where my help comes from. And even though I cannot drive a car, I can call someone who has a car to take me to church. Physically I live in darkness, but spiritually I abide in the Light.” Lastly, he said, “People need to stop complaining and start praying, and most importantly listening to the word of God.”
Thirty-five years have passed since that class, and my years on earth have exceeded seven-and-a-half decades. Praise God! While this man’s words meant something in 1990, you can imagine how great a source of inspiration and motivation they are in 2025.
As times change, I may use my gifts in a different way, but I will remember to emulate the elderly, blind man’s devotion. You too should follow in the footsteps of this devoted, real-life person.
Now, remember one of the happenings he never missed was the assembly of the saints on Sunday morning. My friend, make sure you start your week following in the footsteps of the devoted on that I mentioned in the first paragraph above. Show up for church today! And after the benediction is given, go out blessed to be a blessing! Leave committed to leaning on the Lord and following the footsteps of another Man, Jesus Christ. Be blessed!
“So having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now proclaiming to mankind that all people everywhere are to repent, because He has set a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all people by raising Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30-31 NASB)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King